Jewish Boston

1 week ago | jewishboston.com | Kara Baskin

In today’s climate, the sanctuary of a Jewish summer camp is more resonant than ever. I chatted with Jamie Simon, interim CEO of the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC), about what’s new for summer camp this year—from programming to counselor training—and learned what families can expect as school fades and summer begins. FJC, with support from CJP, works with more than 300 Jewish summer camps throughout North America on training and professional development designed to meet this moment.

2 weeks ago | jewishboston.com | Kara Baskin

It’s a hauntingly timeless tale: Ten classmates—five Jewish and five Catholic Poles—grow up as friends and neighbors, united in humanity, until hatred infects their lives. Inspired by real-life events surrounding a 1941 pogrom in a small Polish village, “Our Class” traces the group’s lives for eight decades, a retelling of Tadeusz Słobodzianek’s 2008 original play.

3 weeks ago | jewishboston.com | Kara Baskin

At a time when Jews feel isolated and different, connection is so important. Togetherness crucial. And pride matters. As I’ve talked to many families about maintaining Jewish pride during tough times, one thing became clear: Pride doesn’t need to be a grand statement or a massive undertaking, like a march or a protest. Jewish pride also can exist in small moments and patterns, as part of daily life. Here are some ways to weave it into yours. Support Jewish businesses.

3 weeks ago | jewishboston.com | Kara Baskin

Clinical psychologist Emily Gordon maintains a private practice in Natick focusing on adolescents. She also volunteers at the Jewish Community Mental Health Initiative, where she’s run support groups since Oct. 7. As a Jewish therapist, her job has changed a great deal since then. “People in the Jewish community are experiencing challenges with their mental health. Part of it is from the rise of antisemitism. Part of it is what’s happening in the world.

1 month ago | jewishboston.com | Judy Bolton-Fasman

In her fascinating and insightful new memoir, “Hidden in Plain Sight: A Family Memoir and the Untold Story of the Holocaust in Serbia,” Julie Brill breaks new ground in a little-known piece of Holocaust history—the year-long Nazi genocide of Serbian Jews in their own country. Brill’s father, Haim, was born in Serbia in 1938 and survived the war in the countryside with his older sister and mother. His father had been murdered on the streets of Belgrade while forced to do punishing labor.